County legend Big Tom dies

Local country music fans are in mourning today after the news emerged that Big Tom McBride has passed on at the age of 81.

In a statement released this morning, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father Big Tom McBride (RIP) this morning.

"Dad passed away peacefully in the company of his family.

"He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.''

Tom, whose wife Rose passed away earlier this year, has been a fixture of the country music scene for more than half a decade.

Inducted into the Irish County Music Hall of Fame in 2016, he had numerous hits over the years including Four Country Roads and Old Log Cabin for Sale.

Tom performed regularly in Westmeath venues, such as the Beehive, the County Hall, The Well, Mullingar Park Hotel and the Lake County, and had a large local following.